Could you explain 2 Peter 1:10?

2 Peter 1:10 – “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”

Question: Please explain what this particular verse (2 Peter 1:10) means so that I may better understand?

Answer: Too often people think they’re born again, when they’re really nothing more than excited about the church, pastor, programs, clean living, etc. Paul wrote a similar instruction in 2 Corinthians 13:5. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit he writes, “Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except you be reprobates?”

It’s way too easy to let the old man rule and reign our daily walk, which inevitably will lead to fruitlessness and spiritual weakness. This is why Peter desires to bring God’s power and Jesus’ work to mind. We need God’s Word and these reminders daily. So for the believer, this carefully, Holy Spirit illumined examination serves as an important pattern to keep us close to Jesus. Remember, Jesus wants us to abide in Him and to keep in step with His Spirit. (John 15:5, Galatians 5:16,25).

David prayed in Psalm 139, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24.

For the deceived unbeliever, self-examination in light of God’s Word (not the indwelling Holy Spirit) is key. Especially in a bigger church, it’s too easy to “walk like a Christian”. Often people who are looking for a better life begin to change outwardly and can even fool themselves into thinking they’ve become born again believers. Who wouldn’t like being among an orchard full of fruit trees, especially when that person’s experienced years of drought?

The problem is some enjoy being among the orchard, but do not understand they need to become a new “tree” if they really want eternal life. Christians sometimes have a bad habit of assuming just because someone talks and walks like a Christian that he is a Christian. I’d hate to think I’d become a believer, but in fact was never really born again and then Jesus says to me in Heaven, “Away from Me, I never knew you.” Matthew 7:23.

Honesty, humility, and the Word of God are an excellent combination for this Scriptural examination.